The majority of domestic managers are positive about paternal leave. This is the result of a study by the Austrian Institute for Family Research (ÖIF). At the same time, men who decide to spend more time with their child are seen as less ambitious and less likely to be promoted.
Long periods of attendance at work are still considered a measure of dedication to work, wrote the Austrian Institute for Family Research (ÖIF). “After all, the results of this study indicate that managers are flexible and willing to adapt.”
In fact, absenteeism from work and part-time work of more than six months are very rare among new fathers. According to the research, managers prefer part-time work to several months of paternity leave. Those who reduce their working hours are considered more ambitious than men who are absent for long periods of time.
Understanding for ordinary employees
Nevertheless, the majority of domestic managers stated that they were positive about paternity leave; surprisingly more men than women. We mainly support regular employees whose knowledge other colleagues also have. There is less understanding for managers who want to take paternity leave.
“Research shows that the father’s strong desire for a relationship with the child and for more time for the child is already socially accepted and included in the parents’ role concepts,” the ÖIF said. At the same time, one in two managers said mothers are generally better suited to care for children. Half assume that family life suffers if the mother works full-time.
Still traditional ideas
According to the study authors, this shows that stereotypes and gender roles still get in the way. To promote equality between women and men, traditional gender ideas and norms for the ideal workforce must be broken down.
The investigation was commissioned by the Federal Chancellery and the Ministry of Family Affairs. 412 managers participated, including 264 men and 148 women.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
